Let's see: how many ways can we pixelate a pair of pyjama pants or a hooded romper? A safe guess could probably be coaxed out of Lacoste's Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who has gone positively dotty for Spring. When the dots dulled his senses (and ours) there were other eye-popping graphics to lasso into submission on tangerine- or lemon-hued sportswear. Even the polo shirt got turned into a motif, beating along boxy dresses with the even drum of a typewriter key. With electric clothes like these, there's no chance of ever politely blending in to the tennis court again.

Let's see: how many ways can we pixelate a pair of pyjama pants or a hooded romper? A safe guess could probably be coaxed out of Lacoste's Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who has gone positively dotty for Spring. When the dots dulled his senses (and ours) there were other eye-popping graphics to lasso into submission on tangerine- or lemon-hued sportswear. Even the polo shirt got turned into a motif, beating along boxy dresses with the even drum of a typewriter key. With electric clothes like these, there's no chance of ever politely blending in to the tennis court again.

Let's see: how many ways can we pixelate a pair of pyjama pants or a hooded romper? A safe guess could probably be coaxed out of Lacoste's Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who has gone positively dotty for Spring. When the dots dulled his senses (and ours) there were other eye-popping graphics to lasso into submission on tangerine- or lemon-hued sportswear. Even the polo shirt got turned into a motif, beating along boxy dresses with the even drum of a typewriter key. With electric clothes like these, there's no chance of ever politely blending in to the tennis court again.

Let's see: how many ways can we pixelate a pair of pyjama pants or a hooded romper? A safe guess could probably be coaxed out of Lacoste's Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who has gone positively dotty for Spring. When the dots dulled his senses (and ours) there were other eye-popping graphics to lasso into submission on tangerine- or lemon-hued sportswear. Even the polo shirt got turned into a motif, beating along boxy dresses with the even drum of a typewriter key. With electric clothes like these, there's no chance of ever politely blending in to the tennis court again.

Let's see: how many ways can we pixelate a pair of pyjama pants or a hooded romper? A safe guess could probably be coaxed out of Lacoste's Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who has gone positively dotty for Spring. When the dots dulled his senses (and ours) there were other eye-popping graphics to lasso into submission on tangerine- or lemon-hued sportswear. Even the polo shirt got turned into a motif, beating along boxy dresses with the even drum of a typewriter key. With electric clothes like these, there's no chance of ever politely blending in to the tennis court again.

The graphic slicing that dismembered much of Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer collection was inspired by jumbles of electric power cords - at least that was the image on his inspiration board. But we found that the trails of negative space between panels of leather and embossed fabric had the robotic flair of neat bites left by an overachieving caterpillar, or paths forged by a colony of running ants. In any event, the clothes - and even the strap-happy boots shackled around the legs - looked like puzzles executed with extraordinary care. What Wang says ultimately gets written down and beamed to a billion copy artists by the end of Fashion Week, so get ready to slice into a T-shirt near you.

The graphic slicing that dismembered much of Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer collection was inspired by jumbles of electric power cords - at least that was the image on his inspiration board. But we found that the trails of negative space between panels of leather and embossed fabric had the robotic flair of neat bites left by an overachieving caterpillar, or paths forged by a colony of running ants. In any event, the clothes - and even the strap-happy boots shackled around the legs - looked like puzzles executed with extraordinary care. What Wang says ultimately gets written down and beamed to a billion copy artists by the end of Fashion Week, so get ready to slice into a T-shirt near you.

The graphic slicing that dismembered much of Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer collection was inspired by jumbles of electric power cords - at least that was the image on his inspiration board. But we found that the trails of negative space between panels of leather and embossed fabric had the robotic flair of neat bites left by an overachieving caterpillar, or paths forged by a colony of running ants. In any event, the clothes - and even the strap-happy boots shackled around the legs - looked like puzzles executed with extraordinary care. What Wang says ultimately gets written down and beamed to a billion copy artists by the end of Fashion Week, so get ready to slice into a T-shirt near you.

The graphic slicing that dismembered much of Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer collection was inspired by jumbles of electric power cords - at least that was the image on his inspiration board. But we found that the trails of negative space between panels of leather and embossed fabric had the robotic flair of neat bites left by an overachieving caterpillar, or paths forged by a colony of running ants. In any event, the clothes - and even the strap-happy boots shackled around the legs - looked like puzzles executed with extraordinary care. What Wang says ultimately gets written down and beamed to a billion copy artists by the end of Fashion Week, so get ready to slice into a T-shirt near you.

The graphic slicing that dismembered much of Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer collection was inspired by jumbles of electric power cords - at least that was the image on his inspiration board. But we found that the trails of negative space between panels of leather and embossed fabric had the robotic flair of neat bites left by an overachieving caterpillar, or paths forged by a colony of running ants. In any event, the clothes - and even the strap-happy boots shackled around the legs - looked like puzzles executed with extraordinary care. What Wang says ultimately gets written down and beamed to a billion copy artists by the end of Fashion Week, so get ready to slice into a T-shirt near you.

Joseph Altuzarra declared, pre-show, that his collection would be 'adorned' this season, a promise that doesn't always leave us 'adoring' most designers' runways. But decorating came easy to this New York favourite, and his Spring/Summer outing was nothing if not sharp and fresh. Altuzarra rooted his collection in a catchy print that looked as if he'd toyed with veiny marble, blue sapphires and gilding (embellishment staples) until they reached a warped, alien-like abstraction. Altuzarra tempered the ornament in cool abstraction - mannish pinstripes, cape arms, thick gold zips and sexy curtain tassels - rather than swaths of excess. We liked it.

Joseph Altuzarra declared, pre-show, that his collection would be 'adorned' this season, a promise that doesn't always leave us 'adoring' most designers' runways. But decorating came easy to this New York favourite, and his Spring/Summer outing was nothing if not sharp and fresh. Altuzarra rooted his collection in a catchy print that looked as if he'd toyed with veiny marble, blue sapphires and gilding (embellishment staples) until they reached a warped, alien-like abstraction. Altuzarra tempered the ornament in cool abstraction - mannish pinstripes, cape arms, thick gold zips and sexy curtain tassels - rather than swaths of excess. We liked it.

Joseph Altuzarra declared, pre-show, that his collection would be 'adorned' this season, a promise that doesn't always leave us 'adoring' most designers' runways. But decorating came easy to this New York favourite, and his Spring/Summer outing was nothing if not sharp and fresh. Altuzarra rooted his collection in a catchy print that looked as if he'd toyed with veiny marble, blue sapphires and gilding (embellishment staples) until they reached a warped, alien-like abstraction. Altuzarra tempered the ornament in cool abstraction - mannish pinstripes, cape arms, thick gold zips and sexy curtain tassels - rather than swaths of excess. We liked it.

Joseph Altuzarra declared, pre-show, that his collection would be 'adorned' this season, a promise that doesn't always leave us 'adoring' most designers' runways. But decorating came easy to this New York favourite, and his Spring/Summer outing was nothing if not sharp and fresh. Altuzarra rooted his collection in a catchy print that looked as if he'd toyed with veiny marble, blue sapphires and gilding (embellishment staples) until they reached a warped, alien-like abstraction. Altuzarra tempered the ornament in cool abstraction - mannish pinstripes, cape arms, thick gold zips and sexy curtain tassels - rather than swaths of excess. We liked it.

Joseph Altuzarra declared, pre-show, that his collection would be 'adorned' this season, a promise that doesn't always leave us 'adoring' most designers' runways. But decorating came easy to this New York favourite, and his Spring/Summer outing was nothing if not sharp and fresh. Altuzarra rooted his collection in a catchy print that looked as if he'd toyed with veiny marble, blue sapphires and gilding (embellishment staples) until they reached a warped, alien-like abstraction. Altuzarra tempered the ornament in cool abstraction - mannish pinstripes, cape arms, thick gold zips and sexy curtain tassels - rather than swaths of excess. We liked it.

Victoria Beckham is getting a lot of love from the Americans who host her twice yearly fashion shows in New York. And it's not hard to see why. The former pop star and current football wife has shocked the skinny pants off everyone by delivering consistently good - even great - fashion designs. The most pleasantly surprising thing about the whole production is that these clothes are neither designed nor sold with pop stars or WAGs in mind. This season, like the rest, offers covered up coolness with dashes of body conscious sultriness, all the while playing on a new, slick stage of grown-up minimalism.

Victoria Beckham is getting a lot of love from the Americans who host her twice yearly fashion shows in New York. And it's not hard to see why. The former pop star and current football wife has shocked the skinny pants off everyone by delivering consistently good - even great - fashion designs. The most pleasantly surprising thing about the whole production is that these clothes are neither designed nor sold with pop stars or WAGs in mind. This season, like the rest, offers covered up coolness with dashes of body conscious sultriness, all the while playing on a new, slick stage of grown-up minimalism.

Victoria Beckham is getting a lot of love from the Americans who host her twice yearly fashion shows in New York. And it's not hard to see why. The former pop star and current football wife has shocked the skinny pants off everyone by delivering consistently good - even great - fashion designs. The most pleasantly surprising thing about the whole production is that these clothes are neither designed nor sold with pop stars or WAGs in mind. This season, like the rest, offers covered up coolness with dashes of body conscious sultriness, all the while playing on a new, slick stage of grown-up minimalism.

Victoria Beckham is getting a lot of love from the Americans who host her twice yearly fashion shows in New York. And it's not hard to see why. The former pop star and current football wife has shocked the skinny pants off everyone by delivering consistently good - even great - fashion designs. The most pleasantly surprising thing about the whole production is that these clothes are neither designed nor sold with pop stars or WAGs in mind. This season, like the rest, offers covered up coolness with dashes of body conscious sultriness, all the while playing on a new, slick stage of grown-up minimalism.

Victoria Beckham is getting a lot of love from the Americans who host her twice yearly fashion shows in New York. And it's not hard to see why. The former pop star and current football wife has shocked the skinny pants off everyone by delivering consistently good - even great - fashion designs. The most pleasantly surprising thing about the whole production is that these clothes are neither designed nor sold with pop stars or WAGs in mind. This season, like the rest, offers covered up coolness with dashes of body conscious sultriness, all the while playing on a new, slick stage of grown-up minimalism.

The flocks of birds in flight that Thakoon Panichgul cooped for his Spring collection might easily have veered toward something irksome and uncontrollable. But Panichgul's well-judged pairing of graphic lines and pops of rich block colour meant clean execution rather than mass Hitchockian mess. Best of all were the curved golden lines on bird-infested prints that made human bird cages out of the walking models. Far from ruffling our feathers, this show treated us to a fine blanket of goose bumps.

The flocks of birds in flight that Thakoon Panichgul cooped for his Spring collection might easily have veered toward something irksome and uncontrollable. But Panichgul's well-judged pairing of graphic lines and pops of rich block colour meant clean execution rather than mass Hitchockian mess. Best of all were the curved golden lines on bird-infested prints that made human bird cages out of the walking models. Far from ruffling our feathers, this show treated us to a fine blanket of goose bumps.

The flocks of birds in flight that Thakoon Panichgul cooped for his Spring collection might easily have veered toward something irksome and uncontrollable. But Panichgul's well-judged pairing of graphic lines and pops of rich block colour meant clean execution rather than mass Hitchockian mess. Best of all were the curved golden lines on bird-infested prints that made human bird cages out of the walking models. Far from ruffling our feathers, this show treated us to a fine blanket of goose bumps.

The flocks of birds in flight that Thakoon Panichgul cooped for his Spring collection might easily have veered toward something irksome and uncontrollable. But Panichgul's well-judged pairing of graphic lines and pops of rich block colour meant clean execution rather than mass Hitchockian mess. Best of all were the curved golden lines on bird-infested prints that made human bird cages out of the walking models. Far from ruffling our feathers, this show treated us to a fine blanket of goose bumps.

The flocks of birds in flight that Thakoon Panichgul cooped for his Spring collection might easily have veered toward something irksome and uncontrollable. But Panichgul's well-judged pairing of graphic lines and pops of rich block colour meant clean execution rather than mass Hitchockian mess. Best of all were the curved golden lines on bird-infested prints that made human bird cages out of the walking models. Far from ruffling our feathers, this show treated us to a fine blanket of goose bumps.

It's been ten years since Yohji Yamamoto, Japanese maestro and king of fashion kookiness, was first named Creative Director at Y-3, a move that pushed the idea of high fashion/athletic wear collaborations into gear. Yamamoto declared a full-on, rekindled love affair with Adidas three stripes prior to his show. We're just thankful the obsession didn't boil over into stalking territory. Yes, the stripes were used, but in just the right dose-always subtle, often underground and sometimes just plain cute, like on the model's three ring rubber bands that cinched their hair up into high ponytails.

It's been ten years since Yohji Yamamoto, Japanese maestro and king of fashion kookiness, was first named Creative Director at Y-3, a move that pushed the idea of high fashion/athletic wear collaborations into gear. Yamamoto declared a full-on, rekindled love affair with Adidas three stripes prior to his show. We're just thankful the obsession didn't boil over into stalking territory. Yes, the stripes were used, but in just the right dose-always subtle, often underground and sometimes just plain cute, like on the model's three ring rubber bands that cinched their hair up into high ponytails.

It's been ten years since Yohji Yamamoto, Japanese maestro and king of fashion kookiness, was first named Creative Director at Y-3, a move that pushed the idea of high fashion/athletic wear collaborations into gear. Yamamoto declared a full-on, rekindled love affair with Adidas three stripes prior to his show. We're just thankful the obsession didn't boil over into stalking territory. Yes, the stripes were used, but in just the right dose-always subtle, often underground and sometimes just plain cute, like on the model's three ring rubber bands that cinched their hair up into high ponytails.

It's been ten years since Yohji Yamamoto, Japanese maestro and king of fashion kookiness, was first named Creative Director at Y-3, a move that pushed the idea of high fashion/athletic wear collaborations into gear. Yamamoto declared a full-on, rekindled love affair with Adidas three stripes prior to his show. We're just thankful the obsession didn't boil over into stalking territory. Yes, the stripes were used, but in just the right dose-always subtle, often underground and sometimes just plain cute, like on the model's three ring rubber bands that cinched their hair up into high ponytails.

It's been ten years since Yohji Yamamoto, Japanese maestro and king of fashion kookiness, was first named Creative Director at Y-3, a move that pushed the idea of high fashion/athletic wear collaborations into gear. Yamamoto declared a full-on, rekindled love affair with Adidas three stripes prior to his show. We're just thankful the obsession didn't boil over into stalking territory. Yes, the stripes were used, but in just the right dose-always subtle, often underground and sometimes just plain cute, like on the model's three ring rubber bands that cinched their hair up into high ponytails.

There is no fashion designer living (or dead) who loves the American flag as much as Tommy Hilfiger. But in a politically charged season, perhaps it was best to leave that particular motif on the cutting-room floor. Well, at least half of it. While there were no stars in Hilfiger's collection, there were plenty of stripes: fat, thin, all-over, just a trim… Spring/Summer is shaping up to be a major stripe-fest. Hilfiger showered all his clothes in the sort of unabashed American optimism one finds at a pep rally. Even the models looked happy - including one, who, quite obviously, thinks with her six-inch court shoe.

There is no fashion designer living (or dead) who loves the American flag as much as Tommy Hilfiger. But in a politically charged season, perhaps it was best to leave that particular motif on the cutting-room floor. Well, at least half of it. While there were no stars in Hilfiger's collection, there were plenty of stripes: fat, thin, all-over, just a trim… Spring/Summer is shaping up to be a major stripe-fest. Hilfiger showered all his clothes in the sort of unabashed American optimism one finds at a pep rally. Even the models looked happy - including one, who, quite obviously, thinks with her six-inch court shoe.

There is no fashion designer living (or dead) who loves the American flag as much as Tommy Hilfiger. But in a politically charged season, perhaps it was best to leave that particular motif on the cutting-room floor. Well, at least half of it. While there were no stars in Hilfiger's collection, there were plenty of stripes: fat, thin, all-over, just a trim… Spring/Summer is shaping up to be a major stripe-fest. Hilfiger showered all his clothes in the sort of unabashed American optimism one finds at a pep rally. Even the models looked happy - including one, who, quite obviously, thinks with her six-inch court shoe.

There is no fashion designer living (or dead) who loves the American flag as much as Tommy Hilfiger. But in a politically charged season, perhaps it was best to leave that particular motif on the cutting-room floor. Well, at least half of it. While there were no stars in Hilfiger's collection, there were plenty of stripes: fat, thin, all-over, just a trim… Spring/Summer is shaping up to be a major stripe-fest. Hilfiger showered all his clothes in the sort of unabashed American optimism one finds at a pep rally. Even the models looked happy - including one, who, quite obviously, thinks with her six-inch court shoe.

There is no fashion designer living (or dead) who loves the American flag as much as Tommy Hilfiger. But in a politically charged season, perhaps it was best to leave that particular motif on the cutting-room floor. Well, at least half of it. While there were no stars in Hilfiger's collection, there were plenty of stripes: fat, thin, all-over, just a trim… Spring/Summer is shaping up to be a major stripe-fest. Hilfiger showered all his clothes in the sort of unabashed American optimism one finds at a pep rally. Even the models looked happy - including one, who, quite obviously, thinks with her six-inch court shoe.

Belstaff’s grittier days - the ones where its customers were often found motorcycling on rocky asphalt, fuelled by the rocket thunder of a Ducati and a mouth full of exhaust - are long gone. The company is now a lifestyle brand. Which means the outfits have changed for the girls - most of whom have no intention whatsoever of getting their biker jackets anywhere near a bike. And thank God for that. The jackets, trousers and trenches, in pristine white canvas or stiffened nude -and beige-toned cottons, are for purely off the highway pursuits. So too are the monster truck footwear: colourful suede wedge sandals with wooden inserts.

Belstaff

Belstaff’s grittier days - the ones where its customers were often found motorcycling on rocky asphalt, fuelled by the rocket thunder of a Ducati and a mouth full of exhaust - are long gone. The company is now a lifestyle brand. Which means the outfits have changed for the girls - most of whom have no intention whatsoever of getting their biker jackets anywhere near a bike. And thank God for that. The jackets, trousers and trenches, in pristine white canvas or stiffened nude -and beige-toned cottons, are for purely off the highway pursuits. So too are the monster truck footwear: colourful suede wedge sandals with wooden inserts.

Belstaff

Belstaff’s grittier days - the ones where its customers were often found motorcycling on rocky asphalt, fuelled by the rocket thunder of a Ducati and a mouth full of exhaust - are long gone. The company is now a lifestyle brand. Which means the outfits have changed for the girls - most of whom have no intention whatsoever of getting their biker jackets anywhere near a bike. And thank God for that. The jackets, trousers and trenches, in pristine white canvas or stiffened nude -and beige-toned cottons, are for purely off the highway pursuits. So too are the monster truck footwear: colourful suede wedge sandals with wooden inserts.

Belstaff

Belstaff’s grittier days - the ones where its customers were often found motorcycling on rocky asphalt, fuelled by the rocket thunder of a Ducati and a mouth full of exhaust - are long gone. The company is now a lifestyle brand. Which means the outfits have changed for the girls - most of whom have no intention whatsoever of getting their biker jackets anywhere near a bike. And thank God for that. The jackets, trousers and trenches, in pristine white canvas or stiffened nude -and beige-toned cottons, are for purely off the highway pursuits. So too are the monster truck footwear: colourful suede wedge sandals with wooden inserts.

Belstaff

Belstaff’s grittier days - the ones where its customers were often found motorcycling on rocky asphalt, fuelled by the rocket thunder of a Ducati and a mouth full of exhaust - are long gone. The company is now a lifestyle brand. Which means the outfits have changed for the girls - most of whom have no intention whatsoever of getting their biker jackets anywhere near a bike. And thank God for that. The jackets, trousers and trenches, in pristine white canvas or stiffened nude -and beige-toned cottons, are for purely off the highway pursuits. So too are the monster truck footwear: colourful suede wedge sandals with wooden inserts.

Donna Karan

What exotic adventure has Donna Karan roped us in for this season? The American designer has been making it a habit of going East, yet this season she cited the 'early hours' in her very own Manhattan as inspiration for the fluid looks on show. Still, she couldn’t renounce Asia all together: the draping and volumes, such as asymmetrical hems and scarf-cut flounce skirts in washed silk had a far eastern sensibility, while the papery fabrics seemed to have been crinkled up by a Japanese hand. The magenta eyeliner was a nice touch, but begged the question of whether it was a little too 'off-the-plane red-eye'… or pink eye?

Donna Karan

What exotic adventure has Donna Karan roped us in for this season? The American designer has been making it a habit of going East, yet this season she cited the 'early hours' in her very own Manhattan as inspiration for the fluid looks on show. Still, she couldn’t renounce Asia all together: the draping and volumes, such as asymmetrical hems and scarf-cut flounce skirts in washed silk had a far eastern sensibility, while the papery fabrics seemed to have been crinkled up by a Japanese hand. The magenta eyeliner was a nice touch, but begged the question of whether it was a little too 'off-the-plane red-eye'… or pink eye?

Donna Karan

What exotic adventure has Donna Karan roped us in for this season? The American designer has been making it a habit of going East, yet this season she cited the 'early hours' in her very own Manhattan as inspiration for the fluid looks on show. Still, she couldn’t renounce Asia all together: the draping and volumes, such as asymmetrical hems and scarf-cut flounce skirts in washed silk had a far eastern sensibility, while the papery fabrics seemed to have been crinkled up by a Japanese hand. The magenta eyeliner was a nice touch, but begged the question of whether it was a little too 'off-the-plane red-eye'… or pink eye?

Donna Karan

What exotic adventure has Donna Karan roped us in for this season? The American designer has been making it a habit of going East, yet this season she cited the 'early hours' in her very own Manhattan as inspiration for the fluid looks on show. Still, she couldn’t renounce Asia all together: the draping and volumes, such as asymmetrical hems and scarf-cut flounce skirts in washed silk had a far eastern sensibility, while the papery fabrics seemed to have been crinkled up by a Japanese hand. The magenta eyeliner was a nice touch, but begged the question of whether it was a little too 'off-the-plane red-eye'… or pink eye?

Donna Karan

What exotic adventure has Donna Karan roped us in for this season? The American designer has been making it a habit of going East, yet this season she cited the 'early hours' in her very own Manhattan as inspiration for the fluid looks on show. Still, she couldn’t renounce Asia all together: the draping and volumes, such as asymmetrical hems and scarf-cut flounce skirts in washed silk had a far eastern sensibility, while the papery fabrics seemed to have been crinkled up by a Japanese hand. The magenta eyeliner was a nice touch, but begged the question of whether it was a little too 'off-the-plane red-eye'… or pink eye?

Marc Jacobs

We can officially take a load off for Spring. After his Fall collection that had models stumbling under the weight of a truck load of layers, Marc Jacobs has lightened up and slimmed down his looks this season. And you’d better be as thin as a green bean to pull off these looks - all cheerful plays on Op Art - because they are guaranteed to add an extra 10 pounds to wherever you least need it. Certainly the black and white bullseye motif made for some striking sartorial visuals, but the coolest bet will be the mosaic tiled dresses in micro chip beading with the car wash-flap skirts.

Marc Jacobs

We can officially take a load off for Spring. After his Fall collection that had models stumbling under the weight of a truck load of layers, Marc Jacobs has lightened up and slimmed down his looks this season. And you’d better be as thin as a green bean to pull off these looks - all cheerful plays on Op Art - because they are guaranteed to add an extra 10 pounds to wherever you least need it. Certainly the black and white bullseye motif made for some striking sartorial visuals, but the coolest bet will be the mosaic tiled dresses in micro chip beading with the car wash-flap skirts.

Marc Jacobs

We can officially take a load off for Spring. After his Fall collection that had models stumbling under the weight of a truck load of layers, Marc Jacobs has lightened up and slimmed down his looks this season. And you’d better be as thin as a green bean to pull off these looks - all cheerful plays on Op Art - because they are guaranteed to add an extra 10 pounds to wherever you least need it. Certainly the black and white bullseye motif made for some striking sartorial visuals, but the coolest bet will be the mosaic tiled dresses in micro chip beading with the car wash-flap skirts.

Marc Jacobs

We can officially take a load off for Spring. After his Fall collection that had models stumbling under the weight of a truck load of layers, Marc Jacobs has lightened up and slimmed down his looks this season. And you’d better be as thin as a green bean to pull off these looks - all cheerful plays on Op Art - because they are guaranteed to add an extra 10 pounds to wherever you least need it. Certainly the black and white bullseye motif made for some striking sartorial visuals, but the coolest bet will be the mosaic tiled dresses in micro chip beading with the car wash-flap skirts.

Marc Jacobs

We can officially take a load off for Spring. After his Fall collection that had models stumbling under the weight of a truck load of layers, Marc Jacobs has lightened up and slimmed down his looks this season. And you’d better be as thin as a green bean to pull off these looks - all cheerful plays on Op Art - because they are guaranteed to add an extra 10 pounds to wherever you least need it. Certainly the black and white bullseye motif made for some striking sartorial visuals, but the coolest bet will be the mosaic tiled dresses in micro chip beading with the car wash-flap skirts.

The Row

It takes a lot of willpower to create a print-free collection in a season that seems to have swallowed the pattern pill. But twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the whippet-thin former child stars, know a thing or two about abstinence. Their fashion label, The Row, is gathering momentum and garnering deserved praise for its clear, pared down vision. When the shapes are as simple, almost monastic, as these - silk skirts that fall simply into a column or buttonless shirt dresses - it helps that they are using the most beautiful fabrics that the dollar can currently buy.

The Row

It takes a lot of willpower to create a print-free collection in a season that seems to have swallowed the pattern pill. But twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the whippet-thin former child stars, know a thing or two about abstinence. Their fashion label, The Row, is gathering momentum and garnering deserved praise for its clear, pared down vision. When the shapes are as simple, almost monastic, as these - silk skirts that fall simply into a column or buttonless shirt dresses - it helps that they are using the most beautiful fabrics that the dollar can currently buy.

The Row

It takes a lot of willpower to create a print-free collection in a season that seems to have swallowed the pattern pill. But twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the whippet-thin former child stars, know a thing or two about abstinence. Their fashion label, The Row, is gathering momentum and garnering deserved praise for its clear, pared down vision. When the shapes are as simple, almost monastic, as these - silk skirts that fall simply into a column or buttonless shirt dresses - it helps that they are using the most beautiful fabrics that the dollar can currently buy.

The Row

It takes a lot of willpower to create a print-free collection in a season that seems to have swallowed the pattern pill. But twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the whippet-thin former child stars, know a thing or two about abstinence. Their fashion label, The Row, is gathering momentum and garnering deserved praise for its clear, pared down vision. When the shapes are as simple, almost monastic, as these - silk skirts that fall simply into a column or buttonless shirt dresses - it helps that they are using the most beautiful fabrics that the dollar can currently buy.

The Row

It takes a lot of willpower to create a print-free collection in a season that seems to have swallowed the pattern pill. But twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the whippet-thin former child stars, know a thing or two about abstinence. Their fashion label, The Row, is gathering momentum and garnering deserved praise for its clear, pared down vision. When the shapes are as simple, almost monastic, as these - silk skirts that fall simply into a column or buttonless shirt dresses - it helps that they are using the most beautiful fabrics that the dollar can currently buy.

Rodarte

The Mulleavy sisters took a tough turn for Spring 2012, throwing a curve ball into the haunted romance they've mined of late. The new designs for this Spring however were sharper, faster and hotter - adding a new lightening bolt of energy and sex to their maturing label. The hems took a hike up, which had the arousing effect akin to that of a Victorian girl flashing a bit of skin. Vinyl miniskirts were trimmed in chic metallic leather, while patchwork dresses of metallic jacquards and sparking embroideries elevated the ice-skating dress to the halls of haute couture. Meanwhile fringe came in two forms: 'nice girl' drapes of fine jewellery attached to dresses, or 'naughty girl' ropes of leather. You decide.

Rodarte

The Mulleavy sisters took a tough turn for Spring 2012, throwing a curve ball into the haunted romance they've mined of late. The new designs for this Spring however were sharper, faster and hotter - adding a new lightening bolt of energy and sex to their maturing label. The hems took a hike up, which had the arousing effect akin to that of a Victorian girl flashing a bit of skin. Vinyl miniskirts were trimmed in chic metallic leather, while patchwork dresses of metallic jacquards and sparking embroideries elevated the ice-skating dress to the halls of haute couture. Meanwhile fringe came in two forms: 'nice girl' drapes of fine jewellery attached to dresses, or 'naughty girl' ropes of leather. You decide.

Rodarte

The Mulleavy sisters took a tough turn for Spring 2012, throwing a curve ball into the haunted romance they've mined of late. The new designs for this Spring however were sharper, faster and hotter - adding a new lightening bolt of energy and sex to their maturing label. The hems took a hike up, which had the arousing effect akin to that of a Victorian girl flashing a bit of skin. Vinyl miniskirts were trimmed in chic metallic leather, while patchwork dresses of metallic jacquards and sparking embroideries elevated the ice-skating dress to the halls of haute couture. Meanwhile fringe came in two forms: 'nice girl' drapes of fine jewellery attached to dresses, or 'naughty girl' ropes of leather. You decide.

Rodarte

The Mulleavy sisters took a tough turn for Spring 2012, throwing a curve ball into the haunted romance they've mined of late. The new designs for this Spring however were sharper, faster and hotter - adding a new lightening bolt of energy and sex to their maturing label. The hems took a hike up, which had the arousing effect akin to that of a Victorian girl flashing a bit of skin. Vinyl miniskirts were trimmed in chic metallic leather, while patchwork dresses of metallic jacquards and sparking embroideries elevated the ice-skating dress to the halls of haute couture. Meanwhile fringe came in two forms: 'nice girl' drapes of fine jewellery attached to dresses, or 'naughty girl' ropes of leather. You decide.

Rodarte

The Mulleavy sisters took a tough turn for Spring 2012, throwing a curve ball into the haunted romance they've mined of late. The new designs for this Spring however were sharper, faster and hotter - adding a new lightening bolt of energy and sex to their maturing label. The hems took a hike up, which had the arousing effect akin to that of a Victorian girl flashing a bit of skin. Vinyl miniskirts were trimmed in chic metallic leather, while patchwork dresses of metallic jacquards and sparking embroideries elevated the ice-skating dress to the halls of haute couture. Meanwhile fringe came in two forms: 'nice girl' drapes of fine jewellery attached to dresses, or 'naughty girl' ropes of leather. You decide.

Diesel Black Gold

Creative Director Sophia Kokosalaki presented her last collection for Diesel's premium label, Black Gold - and she cast a sassy pack of models to match. Even backstage, these girls, armed with mini braided lassoes, big belts, and their heeled open toed boots, were ready to charge. Rather than going Western though, a more hardcore 1990s aesthetic hung over the runway: a lot of black and white, embossed leather miniskirts, Men's shirts worn with white biker jackets and our favourite, the squiggled-paint jeans.

Diesel Black Gold

Creative Director Sophia Kokosalaki presented her last collection for Diesel's premium label, Black Gold - and she cast a sassy pack of models to match. Even backstage, these girls, armed with mini braided lassoes, big belts, and their heeled open toed boots, were ready to charge. Rather than going Western though, a more hardcore 1990s aesthetic hung over the runway: a lot of black and white, embossed leather miniskirts, Men's shirts worn with white biker jackets and our favourite, the squiggled-paint jeans.

Diesel Black Gold

Creative Director Sophia Kokosalaki presented her last collection for Diesel's premium label, Black Gold - and she cast a sassy pack of models to match. Even backstage, these girls, armed with mini braided lassoes, big belts, and their heeled open toed boots, were ready to charge. Rather than going Western though, a more hardcore 1990s aesthetic hung over the runway: a lot of black and white, embossed leather miniskirts, Men's shirts worn with white biker jackets and our favourite, the squiggled-paint jeans.

Diesel Black Gold

Creative Director Sophia Kokosalaki presented her last collection for Diesel's premium label, Black Gold - and she cast a sassy pack of models to match. Even backstage, these girls, armed with mini braided lassoes, big belts, and their heeled open toed boots, were ready to charge. Rather than going Western though, a more hardcore 1990s aesthetic hung over the runway: a lot of black and white, embossed leather miniskirts, Men's shirts worn with white biker jackets and our favourite, the squiggled-paint jeans.

Diesel Black Gold

Creative Director Sophia Kokosalaki presented her last collection for Diesel's premium label, Black Gold - and she cast a sassy pack of models to match. Even backstage, these girls, armed with mini braided lassoes, big belts, and their heeled open toed boots, were ready to charge. Rather than going Western though, a more hardcore 1990s aesthetic hung over the runway: a lot of black and white, embossed leather miniskirts, Men's shirts worn with white biker jackets and our favourite, the squiggled-paint jeans.

Osklen

What's not to love about Brazil, the country that has generously shared with us its home-grown crop of microscopic bikinis, perfect rubber flip flops and Gisele's sun-kissed goddess body? With the arrival of Osklen, now there's even more reason to drop to our knees in thanks. In its American runway debut, this Brazilian surf-wear brand showed it had a lot more up its sleeves than pretty boardshorts and rash guards. There were city-friendly silk tunics and stovepipe trousers, two-piece khaki jumpsuits and prim collared shirts, in a line-up that would have been very welcome on the streets of Manhattan. That didn't mean this king of the waves renounced its beach beginnings all together: colours of the sunset - from yolky orange to fiery red - and silhouetted palm trees found their way onto perfect columns of simple silk dresses. And for those truly jonesing for life on Bondi while clamped to a desk on Bond Street, there was a dress and cape which featured an entire seascape, sand, waves, and brilliant sky in a terrific digital print.

Osklen

What's not to love about Brazil, the country that has generously shared with us its home-grown crop of microscopic bikinis, perfect rubber flip flops and Gisele's sun-kissed goddess body? With the arrival of Osklen, now there's even more reason to drop to our knees in thanks. In its American runway debut, this Brazilian surf-wear brand showed it had a lot more up its sleeves than pretty boardshorts and rash guards. There were city-friendly silk tunics and stovepipe trousers, two-piece khaki jumpsuits and prim collared shirts, in a line-up that would have been very welcome on the streets of Manhattan. That didn't mean this king of the waves renounced its beach beginnings all together: colours of the sunset - from yolky orange to fiery red - and silhouetted palm trees found their way onto perfect columns of simple silk dresses. And for those truly jonesing for life on Bondi while clamped to a desk on Bond Street, there was a dress and cape which featured an entire seascape, sand, waves, and brilliant sky in a terrific digital print.

Osklen

What's not to love about Brazil, the country that has generously shared with us its home-grown crop of microscopic bikinis, perfect rubber flip flops and Gisele's sun-kissed goddess body? With the arrival of Osklen, now there's even more reason to drop to our knees in thanks. In its American runway debut, this Brazilian surf-wear brand showed it had a lot more up its sleeves than pretty boardshorts and rash guards. There were city-friendly silk tunics and stovepipe trousers, two-piece khaki jumpsuits and prim collared shirts, in a line-up that would have been very welcome on the streets of Manhattan. That didn't mean this king of the waves renounced its beach beginnings all together: colours of the sunset - from yolky orange to fiery red - and silhouetted palm trees found their way onto perfect columns of simple silk dresses. And for those truly jonesing for life on Bondi while clamped to a desk on Bond Street, there was a dress and cape which featured an entire seascape, sand, waves, and brilliant sky in a terrific digital print.

Osklen

What's not to love about Brazil, the country that has generously shared with us its home-grown crop of microscopic bikinis, perfect rubber flip flops and Gisele's sun-kissed goddess body? With the arrival of Osklen, now there's even more reason to drop to our knees in thanks. In its American runway debut, this Brazilian surf-wear brand showed it had a lot more up its sleeves than pretty boardshorts and rash guards. There were city-friendly silk tunics and stovepipe trousers, two-piece khaki jumpsuits and prim collared shirts, in a line-up that would have been very welcome on the streets of Manhattan. That didn't mean this king of the waves renounced its beach beginnings all together: colours of the sunset - from yolky orange to fiery red - and silhouetted palm trees found their way onto perfect columns of simple silk dresses. And for those truly jonesing for life on Bondi while clamped to a desk on Bond Street, there was a dress and cape which featured an entire seascape, sand, waves, and brilliant sky in a terrific digital print.

Osklen

What's not to love about Brazil, the country that has generously shared with us its home-grown crop of microscopic bikinis, perfect rubber flip flops and Gisele's sun-kissed goddess body? With the arrival of Osklen, now there's even more reason to drop to our knees in thanks. In its American runway debut, this Brazilian surf-wear brand showed it had a lot more up its sleeves than pretty boardshorts and rash guards. There were city-friendly silk tunics and stovepipe trousers, two-piece khaki jumpsuits and prim collared shirts, in a line-up that would have been very welcome on the streets of Manhattan. That didn't mean this king of the waves renounced its beach beginnings all together: colours of the sunset - from yolky orange to fiery red - and silhouetted palm trees found their way onto perfect columns of simple silk dresses. And for those truly jonesing for life on Bondi while clamped to a desk on Bond Street, there was a dress and cape which featured an entire seascape, sand, waves, and brilliant sky in a terrific digital print.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

In the younger, wackier realm of his second label, Marc Jacobs is still absolutely mad for plaid. Make that mad for any print, really. Abstract paisley, knitted stripes and polkadots are all welcome for both boys and girls in a Jacobsian world, as long as they are mixed and mashed with flair. A printed turban, heavily-wrapped neck scarf, and obi-style belts are all new propositions this season, but we favoured the clear vinyl handbags.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

In the younger, wackier realm of his second label, Marc Jacobs is still absolutely mad for plaid. Make that mad for any print, really. Abstract paisley, knitted stripes and polkadots are all welcome for both boys and girls in a Jacobsian world, as long as they are mixed and mashed with flair. A printed turban, heavily-wrapped neck scarf, and obi-style belts are all new propositions this season, but we favoured the clear vinyl handbags.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

In the younger, wackier realm of his second label, Marc Jacobs is still absolutely mad for plaid. Make that mad for any print, really. Abstract paisley, knitted stripes and polkadots are all welcome for both boys and girls in a Jacobsian world, as long as they are mixed and mashed with flair. A printed turban, heavily-wrapped neck scarf, and obi-style belts are all new propositions this season, but we favoured the clear vinyl handbags.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

In the younger, wackier realm of his second label, Marc Jacobs is still absolutely mad for plaid. Make that mad for any print, really. Abstract paisley, knitted stripes and polkadots are all welcome for both boys and girls in a Jacobsian world, as long as they are mixed and mashed with flair. A printed turban, heavily-wrapped neck scarf, and obi-style belts are all new propositions this season, but we favoured the clear vinyl handbags.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

In the younger, wackier realm of his second label, Marc Jacobs is still absolutely mad for plaid. Make that mad for any print, really. Abstract paisley, knitted stripes and polkadots are all welcome for both boys and girls in a Jacobsian world, as long as they are mixed and mashed with flair. A printed turban, heavily-wrapped neck scarf, and obi-style belts are all new propositions this season, but we favoured the clear vinyl handbags.

Michael Kors

If 'optical optimism' were a trademark, Michael Kors would be currently down at the patent office signing up as purveyor of the sunny design principle. Each season, you can almost feel Mr Kors skipping down a blue-sky street, arm in arm with a gaggle of glamorous models. And this season, after his über successful IPO (initial public offering), there's even more to beam about. Red white and blue are shaping up to be key colours for the Americans this year - go figure - but Kors has given the patriotic palette a retro twist with Courrèges-esque silhouettes, hardware and poppy 1960s graphics. School bus-yellow leather, on bags belts and rivet-punched skirts, will be Prozac for women's dreary closets.

Michael Kors

If 'optical optimism' were a trademark, Michael Kors would be currently down at the patent office signing up as purveyor of the sunny design principle. Each season, you can almost feel Mr Kors skipping down a blue-sky street, arm in arm with a gaggle of glamorous models. And this season, after his über successful IPO (initial public offering), there's even more to beam about. Red white and blue are shaping up to be key colours for the Americans this year - go figure - but Kors has given the patriotic palette a retro twist with Courrèges-esque silhouettes, hardware and poppy 1960s graphics. School bus-yellow leather, on bags belts and rivet-punched skirts, will be Prozac for women's dreary closets.

Michael Kors

If 'optical optimism' were a trademark, Michael Kors would be currently down at the patent office signing up as purveyor of the sunny design principle. Each season, you can almost feel Mr Kors skipping down a blue-sky street, arm in arm with a gaggle of glamorous models. And this season, after his über successful IPO (initial public offering), there's even more to beam about. Red white and blue are shaping up to be key colours for the Americans this year - go figure - but Kors has given the patriotic palette a retro twist with Courrèges-esque silhouettes, hardware and poppy 1960s graphics. School bus-yellow leather, on bags belts and rivet-punched skirts, will be Prozac for women's dreary closets.

Michael Kors

If 'optical optimism' were a trademark, Michael Kors would be currently down at the patent office signing up as purveyor of the sunny design principle. Each season, you can almost feel Mr Kors skipping down a blue-sky street, arm in arm with a gaggle of glamorous models. And this season, after his über successful IPO (initial public offering), there's even more to beam about. Red white and blue are shaping up to be key colours for the Americans this year - go figure - but Kors has given the patriotic palette a retro twist with Courrèges-esque silhouettes, hardware and poppy 1960s graphics. School bus-yellow leather, on bags belts and rivet-punched skirts, will be Prozac for women's dreary closets.

Michael Kors

If 'optical optimism' were a trademark, Michael Kors would be currently down at the patent office signing up as purveyor of the sunny design principle. Each season, you can almost feel Mr Kors skipping down a blue-sky street, arm in arm with a gaggle of glamorous models. And this season, after his über successful IPO (initial public offering), there's even more to beam about. Red white and blue are shaping up to be key colours for the Americans this year - go figure - but Kors has given the patriotic palette a retro twist with Courrèges-esque silhouettes, hardware and poppy 1960s graphics. School bus-yellow leather, on bags belts and rivet-punched skirts, will be Prozac for women's dreary closets.

Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff is obviously prepared for the sidewalks to start sizzling in Manhattan next summer. His answer to the scorching heat? Weightless layers of sheer fabrics and plenty of shrewd nude colour tones. Crinkly sheer shirts, parachute silk trousers and smart blazers were all crafted from the camouflaging neutral. And while beige both veiled and replicated the models’ bodies to create a game of kinky flashing, the raspberry and white looks offered something slightly less subversive but no less appropriate for the heat. Best of all were the looks that came with their own built-in air-conditioning systems (all-over perforation) and the killer new sheer pointed pumps with leather tips, trim and double ankle straps.

Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff is obviously prepared for the sidewalks to start sizzling in Manhattan next summer. His answer to the scorching heat? Weightless layers of sheer fabrics and plenty of shrewd nude colour tones. Crinkly sheer shirts, parachute silk trousers and smart blazers were all crafted from the camouflaging neutral. And while beige both veiled and replicated the models’ bodies to create a game of kinky flashing, the raspberry and white looks offered something slightly less subversive but no less appropriate for the heat. Best of all were the looks that came with their own built-in air-conditioning systems (all-over perforation) and the killer new sheer pointed pumps with leather tips, trim and double ankle straps.

Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff is obviously prepared for the sidewalks to start sizzling in Manhattan next summer. His answer to the scorching heat? Weightless layers of sheer fabrics and plenty of shrewd nude colour tones. Crinkly sheer shirts, parachute silk trousers and smart blazers were all crafted from the camouflaging neutral. And while beige both veiled and replicated the models’ bodies to create a game of kinky flashing, the raspberry and white looks offered something slightly less subversive but no less appropriate for the heat. Best of all were the looks that came with their own built-in air-conditioning systems (all-over perforation) and the killer new sheer pointed pumps with leather tips, trim and double ankle straps.

Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff is obviously prepared for the sidewalks to start sizzling in Manhattan next summer. His answer to the scorching heat? Weightless layers of sheer fabrics and plenty of shrewd nude colour tones. Crinkly sheer shirts, parachute silk trousers and smart blazers were all crafted from the camouflaging neutral. And while beige both veiled and replicated the models’ bodies to create a game of kinky flashing, the raspberry and white looks offered something slightly less subversive but no less appropriate for the heat. Best of all were the looks that came with their own built-in air-conditioning systems (all-over perforation) and the killer new sheer pointed pumps with leather tips, trim and double ankle straps.

Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff is obviously prepared for the sidewalks to start sizzling in Manhattan next summer. His answer to the scorching heat? Weightless layers of sheer fabrics and plenty of shrewd nude colour tones. Crinkly sheer shirts, parachute silk trousers and smart blazers were all crafted from the camouflaging neutral. And while beige both veiled and replicated the models’ bodies to create a game of kinky flashing, the raspberry and white looks offered something slightly less subversive but no less appropriate for the heat. Best of all were the looks that came with their own built-in air-conditioning systems (all-over perforation) and the killer new sheer pointed pumps with leather tips, trim and double ankle straps.

Proenza Schouler

So print is here to stay. Or more to the point, zany mixes of what would have formerly been classed as 'clashing' pattern are still being embraced by New York's hottest designers. Like Proenza Schouler, who showed abstract animal-print dresses slashed with transparent hosiery, or patchworks of coloured python, neon snake skins and perforated leather. It sounds very unpromising. But the designers behind this label know how to extract a cool essence from craft, and nimbly add just the right dose of graphics to their feminine silhouettes. The new glossy patent leather two-piece skirt suit is a perfect example: punched with hundreds of micro holes and trimmed in thick black industrial seaming, it gives added meaning the term 'city slicker'.

Proenza Schouler

So print is here to stay. Or more to the point, zany mixes of what would have formerly been classed as 'clashing' pattern are still being embraced by New York's hottest designers. Like Proenza Schouler, who showed abstract animal-print dresses slashed with transparent hosiery, or patchworks of coloured python, neon snake skins and perforated leather. It sounds very unpromising. But the designers behind this label know how to extract a cool essence from craft, and nimbly add just the right dose of graphics to their feminine silhouettes. The new glossy patent leather two-piece skirt suit is a perfect example: punched with hundreds of micro holes and trimmed in thick black industrial seaming, it gives added meaning the term 'city slicker'.

Proenza Schouler

So print is here to stay. Or more to the point, zany mixes of what would have formerly been classed as 'clashing' pattern are still being embraced by New York's hottest designers. Like Proenza Schouler, who showed abstract animal-print dresses slashed with transparent hosiery, or patchworks of coloured python, neon snake skins and perforated leather. It sounds very unpromising. But the designers behind this label know how to extract a cool essence from craft, and nimbly add just the right dose of graphics to their feminine silhouettes. The new glossy patent leather two-piece skirt suit is a perfect example: punched with hundreds of micro holes and trimmed in thick black industrial seaming, it gives added meaning the term 'city slicker'.

Proenza Schouler

So print is here to stay. Or more to the point, zany mixes of what would have formerly been classed as 'clashing' pattern are still being embraced by New York's hottest designers. Like Proenza Schouler, who showed abstract animal-print dresses slashed with transparent hosiery, or patchworks of coloured python, neon snake skins and perforated leather. It sounds very unpromising. But the designers behind this label know how to extract a cool essence from craft, and nimbly add just the right dose of graphics to their feminine silhouettes. The new glossy patent leather two-piece skirt suit is a perfect example: punched with hundreds of micro holes and trimmed in thick black industrial seaming, it gives added meaning the term 'city slicker'.

Proenza Schouler

So print is here to stay. Or more to the point, zany mixes of what would have formerly been classed as 'clashing' pattern are still being embraced by New York's hottest designers. Like Proenza Schouler, who showed abstract animal-print dresses slashed with transparent hosiery, or patchworks of coloured python, neon snake skins and perforated leather. It sounds very unpromising. But the designers behind this label know how to extract a cool essence from craft, and nimbly add just the right dose of graphics to their feminine silhouettes. The new glossy patent leather two-piece skirt suit is a perfect example: punched with hundreds of micro holes and trimmed in thick black industrial seaming, it gives added meaning the term 'city slicker'.

Ralph Lauren

Cha-cha-cha! Ralph Lauren, a designer generally concerned with what the Nantucket WASPs or the prairie millionaires in Aspen want to wear, stuck a long-stemmed rose in his mouth and tapped right along with the Latinos this season. Was it South America or Spain that held him in a love grip? Tough to tell, but the Flamenco flourishes were applied with a sure hand - lots of ruffles, bolero jackets, scarf-tied necks, fringing, neat buns, and skirts that were made for a dramatic twirl on the dance floor.

Ralph Lauren

Cha-cha-cha! Ralph Lauren, a designer generally concerned with what the Nantucket WASPs or the prairie millionaires in Aspen want to wear, stuck a long-stemmed rose in his mouth and tapped right along with the Latinos this season. Was it South America or Spain that held him in a love grip? Tough to tell, but the Flamenco flourishes were applied with a sure hand - lots of ruffles, bolero jackets, scarf-tied necks, fringing, neat buns, and skirts that were made for a dramatic twirl on the dance floor.

Ralph Lauren

Cha-cha-cha! Ralph Lauren, a designer generally concerned with what the Nantucket WASPs or the prairie millionaires in Aspen want to wear, stuck a long-stemmed rose in his mouth and tapped right along with the Latinos this season. Was it South America or Spain that held him in a love grip? Tough to tell, but the Flamenco flourishes were applied with a sure hand - lots of ruffles, bolero jackets, scarf-tied necks, fringing, neat buns, and skirts that were made for a dramatic twirl on the dance floor.

Ralph Lauren

Cha-cha-cha! Ralph Lauren, a designer generally concerned with what the Nantucket WASPs or the prairie millionaires in Aspen want to wear, stuck a long-stemmed rose in his mouth and tapped right along with the Latinos this season. Was it South America or Spain that held him in a love grip? Tough to tell, but the Flamenco flourishes were applied with a sure hand - lots of ruffles, bolero jackets, scarf-tied necks, fringing, neat buns, and skirts that were made for a dramatic twirl on the dance floor.

Ralph Lauren

Cha-cha-cha! Ralph Lauren, a designer generally concerned with what the Nantucket WASPs or the prairie millionaires in Aspen want to wear, stuck a long-stemmed rose in his mouth and tapped right along with the Latinos this season. Was it South America or Spain that held him in a love grip? Tough to tell, but the Flamenco flourishes were applied with a sure hand - lots of ruffles, bolero jackets, scarf-tied necks, fringing, neat buns, and skirts that were made for a dramatic twirl on the dance floor.

Calvin Klein Collection

What naughty fun to see Francisco Costa getting a little bit kinky this season. The Calvin Klein designer has been so devoted to the loftier pursuits of 'intellectual' or 'conceptual' design that at times it appeared that he had forgotten that the company namesake invented the idea that sex sells clothes (especially on 100-ft billboards). So the steaming dishes he served up this season of waist-cinching, chest-propping, and curve-hugging clothing went down a treat. Rather than have the models' rockin' bodies hidden beneath diaphanous layers of undeterminable shape, Costa did his best and most effective work when he showed the curves off. More for next season, please!

Calvin Klein Collection

What naughty fun to see Francisco Costa getting a little bit kinky this season. The Calvin Klein designer has been so devoted to the loftier pursuits of 'intellectual' or 'conceptual' design that at times it appeared that he had forgotten that the company namesake invented the idea that sex sells clothes (especially on 100-ft billboards). So the steaming dishes he served up this season of waist-cinching, chest-propping, and curve-hugging clothing went down a treat. Rather than have the models' rockin' bodies hidden beneath diaphanous layers of undeterminable shape, Costa did his best and most effective work when he showed the curves off. More for next season, please!

Calvin Klein Collection

What naughty fun to see Francisco Costa getting a little bit kinky this season. The Calvin Klein designer has been so devoted to the loftier pursuits of 'intellectual' or 'conceptual' design that at times it appeared that he had forgotten that the company namesake invented the idea that sex sells clothes (especially on 100-ft billboards). So the steaming dishes he served up this season of waist-cinching, chest-propping, and curve-hugging clothing went down a treat. Rather than have the models' rockin' bodies hidden beneath diaphanous layers of undeterminable shape, Costa did his best and most effective work when he showed the curves off. More for next season, please!

Calvin Klein Collection

What naughty fun to see Francisco Costa getting a little bit kinky this season. The Calvin Klein designer has been so devoted to the loftier pursuits of 'intellectual' or 'conceptual' design that at times it appeared that he had forgotten that the company namesake invented the idea that sex sells clothes (especially on 100-ft billboards). So the steaming dishes he served up this season of waist-cinching, chest-propping, and curve-hugging clothing went down a treat. Rather than have the models' rockin' bodies hidden beneath diaphanous layers of undeterminable shape, Costa did his best and most effective work when he showed the curves off. More for next season, please!

Calvin Klein Collection

What naughty fun to see Francisco Costa getting a little bit kinky this season. The Calvin Klein designer has been so devoted to the loftier pursuits of 'intellectual' or 'conceptual' design that at times it appeared that he had forgotten that the company namesake invented the idea that sex sells clothes (especially on 100-ft billboards). So the steaming dishes he served up this season of waist-cinching, chest-propping, and curve-hugging clothing went down a treat. Rather than have the models' rockin' bodies hidden beneath diaphanous layers of undeterminable shape, Costa did his best and most effective work when he showed the curves off. More for next season, please!

Lacoste

Let's see: how many ways can we pixelate a pair of pyjama pants or a hooded romper? A safe guess could probably be coaxed out of Lacoste's Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who has gone positively dotty for Spring. When the dots dulled his senses (and ours) there were other eye-popping graphics to lasso into submission on tangerine- or lemon-hued sportswear. Even the polo shirt got turned into a motif, beating along boxy dresses with the even drum of a typewriter key. With electric clothes like these, there's no chance of ever politely blending in to the tennis court again.